Make a statement by planting a big agave. Try large sculptural species such as Gentry agave (A. gentryi), mountain agave (A. montana), or whale’s tongue (A. ovatifolia). All are available from Starr Nursery (starr-nursery.com).

Mojave desert plants get established quickly when planted in the fall. Banana yucca (Yucca baccata), Creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia), and Mormon tea (Ephedra viridis), and are just a few good choices.

Plant alyssum, buddleija, lantana, and milkweed in your garden to supply refueling nectar to Monarch butterflies as they migrate south this month.

Maintain

When highs dip below 100°, start to slowly reduce the watering frequency on your desert and desert-adapted plants to harden them off for winter. This limits tender new growth and help reduce frost damage when colder temperatures arrive.